depleted
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
having a much smaller amount of something left than there was before.
reduced in quantity or number; having had the supply of something significantly diminished.
Simple“After the long race, his energy was completely depleted and he needed to rest.”
In context“The region's groundwater levels have been severely depleted by decades of intensive farming and insufficient rainfall.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
describing a material that has had its most active part removed.
referring to a substance, particularly uranium, that has a lower proportion of a specific isotope than is found in nature.
Simple“The military uses depleted uranium in some types of heavy ammunition.”
In context“Environmental groups expressed concern over the long-term effects of using depleted uranium in conflict zones due to its chemical toxicity.”
Antonyms
“Crucial military munitions stocks have been depleted, and important tools used to project power globally have been redirected towards Iran.”
“Estimates suggest it could be depleted within the next 50–300 years.”